Repairing Mercedes Benz Air suspension 50% cheaper than dealers.

<br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Has the <a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/">limousine</a>industry been disappointed with the very costly air suspension repairs of the following Mercedes Benz vehicle suspensions?</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><ul><li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: navy;">CL Class: years 2000-2006 (W215 w/ ABC):years 2007-2012 (W216 w/ Airmatic)</span></div><li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #7e0021;">CLS Class: years 2005-2011 (W219 w/ Airmatic):years 2005-2011 CLS55AMG &CLS63AMG</span></div><li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #314004;">GL Class: years 2007-2012 (W164 w/ Airmatic)</span></div><li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #2300dc;">ML Class: years 2005-2011 (W164 w/ Airmatic): years 2005-2010 (ML63AMG)</span></div><li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #b80047;">R Class: years 2006-2010 (W251)</span></div><li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>S Class: years</b> <span style="color: blue;">1999-2006 (W220 w/,w/o 4matic)</span>: <span style="color: #99284c;">years 2000-2006 (W220 w/ABC)</span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: navy;">years 2003-2006 (W220 w/ Airmatic & w/ 4matic),</span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: red;">years 2007-2012 (W221 w/ Airmatic, w/o 4matic): </span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #2323dc;">years 2007-2012 (W221 w/ Airmatic, w/4matic)</span></div></li></li></li></li></li></li></ul><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">No need to be shocked or disappointed about the very expensive repair, but rather let's examine the problems. There are 5 areas which can lead to air suspension not working appropriately The components making up the air suspensions are a leveling sensor, relay and air suspension pump, suspension air valve block, lines or the air struts/ air springs.</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">So when the dashboard on your light illuminates with the message �stop, car is too low�, then perhaps consider reading this article. I have had this problem, and it was frustrating as where I should start it because the modern cars are very complex.</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I recommend that the first step is get a complete diagnostic from Mercedes Benz. This diagnostic may cost $250.00 and the dealer may use this credit towards repair so as long as it is a minor repair. If it is not a minor issue, the great thing is that you will accurately know what is your problem as opposed to a costly trial and error. Whether it is a minor or major repair, first step is to identify the identify the issue and costs involved. Get a written estimate from dealer, ask if diagnostic credit will apply towards repairs of the car. Next step is to think critically whether to keep the car for a longer period of time or consider selling it. Whatever the decision maybe, I want to discuss in this article how to diagnose and fix the problems 50% cheaper than the dealers rate. So beginning with minor to major, let me identify each.</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The first minor problem with the Mercedes Benz air suspensions is a leveling sensor which is mounted on top of the rear axle, and signals air pump to inflate when needed. The leveling sensor only costs about $130.00 to $160.00 and labor for replacing this is really an hour or two of labor time. This minor problem may make one believe that it is time to replace struts when in fact it really is a leveling sensor. Now I will move onto intermediate and complex problems.</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I would consider a bad suspension air valve block to be an intermediate level repair. Should the vehicle have a bad suspension valve block, the struts will not inflate. The genuine OEM factory air suspension valve block costs $288.50 from E bay. This type of repair depends on what the dealer will charge in labor hours, cost of the part from dealer, minus any credit from diagnostic. Should the dealers total cost be greater than if we purchased this part online at $288.50+20 (Shipping and handling) + cost of dealers diagnostic fee plus+ qualified non dealer Mercedes technician then we it is obvious who is going to repair the car. Another possible area of concern is the air suspension compressor pump.</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The original air suspension pump tends to leaks air on the earlier 1999-2005 models because of pumps line had a t joint and would leak. These pumps were modified later for Mercedes Benz cars and for cars requiring upgraded pumps. The air suspension pumps found as aftermarket and OEM factory are really the same pump, made by the same manufacturer for Mercedes Benz.</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">If these pumps are not pumping adequate pressure, than they need to be replaced. The Mercedes Benz air suspension pumps are made by a company called WABCO. The aftermarket pumps found online are WABCO pumps which sell for about $285.00- $325.00. Mercedes Benz dealer sells the same exact pumps in a Mercedes Benz box for anywhere between retail $425-$600.00.</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">So it is best to compare the dealers total cost to replace pump minus any diagnostic fee waiver with a qualified non dealer technicians total repair estimate. Usually labor time ranges between 2-3 hours to replace change since they are underneath the right hand side of car. Lets move onto the more expensive parts of the air suspension of Mercedes Benz.</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The Struts for Mercedes Benz are pretty expensive. The dealers sell each strut anywhere over $1100 a piece. So can purchasing 4 struts for S430, S500 or 550 be over $4400? Yes, that is correct. However, there is an inexpensive method which will lead to same results as replacing them with new ones. The alternative is getting U.S. Quality re-manufactured struts for Mercedes Benz and many other cars online. How are re-manufactured struts the same as new ones?</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Basically struts go bad after their seals become dry over time period. Re-manufactured struts are are disassembled, inspected, replacing all new seals and pressure tested. Arnott Industries sell these struts for a fraction of cost compared to what the dealers charge. I fixed my Mercedes with the goal of ensuring every mechanism of suspension to be new. So I purchased 4 struts for a Mercedes Benz S430 for $458.85each strut. Arnott Industries charged me $1,968.05 (4 struts all inclusive of shipping and handling), which are obviously over 50% cheaper than Mercedes Benz dealers rate and deliver same results as new. In addition, I saved on parts by purchasing the the same exact genuine OEM air compressor pump from WABCO and purchased a genuine OEM valve block at wholesale rate. The charge to replace all components and reprogramming vehicle was $900.00. So the bottom line is that my entire job cost was $3,481.05. The dealers estimate was somewhere above $7,000 before taking care of Uncle Samuel. So anyone interested in redoing suspension work for these vehicles, consider Arnott Industries in your equation. Any <a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/">limousine</a>operator in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut wanting to perform this repair work, please do not hesitate in dropping me an email at <a href="mailto:csltransportation@hotmail.com">csltransportation@hotmail.com</a></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">RICK GOONDALL</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/">City Sedans & Limousines Transportation NYC</a></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">347 Fifth Avenue, suite 1402-154</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">New York, NY 10016</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/">www.limousine-rental.net</a></div>

Repairing Mercedes Benz Air suspension 50% cheaper than dealers.

Has the limousine industry been disappointed with the very costly air suspension repairs of the following Mercedes Benz vehicle suspensions?...

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Limousine Software comparison and Review of Trip Tracker

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZXmiljZuDrOpnnILk4Ki2oMf9ni-KbyGLrAdp8_jp0nmq4YLQzfuBiCgSn2eehCvB2yShKbGOUgWOmL2HKBT6yEh5RUt9pbnRC1_M-asq630EhnwBChH_tgg1tRkh2x0eI3GkYN4k9c/s1600/CSL_BIZNIZ+CARD-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>Most <a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/">limousine operators</a> have a wide variety of<a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/">limousine</a> management software today to choose from. Which software is ideal for the l<a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/">imousine operators</a>? I believe that my ideal software must be user friendly, basic but advanced options available at no extra costs, ability to upgrade with a minimal fee, widely used and recognized within the industry, and <u>must be priced as the best bang for the buck. </u>So I will compare what a basic software shall consist and compare types of software plans and terms available on the market.<br /><br />Most operators really need a basic software where one can make reservations, invoicing, data entry, set up, rates, run reports/graphs and some other utilities. I found few software which fall within my category across the platform ranging from $1,000 to infinity. You are reading and saying to yourself, �infinity, what you mean infinity?�. Okay so lets work on the limousine software backwards in this case by discussing an infinity priced software.<br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I found a software web based software which advertise as low initial payment�. Wow, sounds pretty good, transforming into a professional limo company with chunk change? Not really, because to have a basic web based system, it will start out around $800-$900.In addition, there are monthly fees and transaction fees. So lets further examine an operator like myself who intends to be within limousine business for 25 years.</div><br />So, lets eliminate this system out of the equation because when I plan to retire in Hawaii, which is another 25 years, I will be unhappy and wont enjoy retirement. I will be paying close to $22,000 over <u>25 years by adding monthly charges to the initial $997 totaling </u><u><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 0);">$21,997.00</span></u>. Holy smokes, So now lets move onto other limousine management software in market. <br /><br />I narrowed in down between "F--------" and Trip Tracker, and finally settling for Trip Tracker because it is more affordable. So I tried out Trip Tracker because base software starts at about $1,095 which included 6 month free tech support. I have owned this software for over 8 months and it is an amazing software. My only obstacle was that I am not into reading manuals so much, so it took me a lil longer by just playing with the software and using the tutorial CD. Furthermore, I was offered flexible payment terms chargeable to my credit card. So how could I refuse the offer? <br /><br />Let me give some details describing by describing the software. <br /><br />I told you, that if I can avoid reading, I do my best. I had Trip Tracker support help me setup the software such as company name, telephone name, pickup and cancellation policy to be on reservation forms, detailed charges and a special note thanking client to use my company �CSL Transportation� on invoices. I got free training from Trip Tracker, on how to make a reservation, simultaneously emailing confirmation to client and drivers, invoicing trips, applying charges to clients, accounts receivables and payable. <br /><br />So as a courtesy to Trip tracker, since they really were helpful to me in tutoring, avoiding reading manuals and saving me time, I am sharing my fantastic experience with others within the limousine industry <br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">So you click onto Trip Tracker, and the software loads. This is the main screen with all tabs. To make a reservation, we will go Reservation Tab</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiro54o5lrFcKcSwsV_kPU91-hURr0Zo-CdZQIha-CzTp9aFNAMw3KNUaGhXVAwjzR3FCA9MfHXXUb6WpA69mlPSHvwfcQKr6mN22hkkfaMzLDnS6HdoAJzMYRPDm1PdTw5Wc_1xyexxIs/s1600/reservationsTab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiro54o5lrFcKcSwsV_kPU91-hURr0Zo-CdZQIha-CzTp9aFNAMw3KNUaGhXVAwjzR3FCA9MfHXXUb6WpA69mlPSHvwfcQKr6mN22hkkfaMzLDnS6HdoAJzMYRPDm1PdTw5Wc_1xyexxIs/s320/reservationsTab.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">scroll down to NEW RESERVATION and a new window pops up allowing us to enter a client ID-cash reservation, credit card reservation </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrI25o2oTAfkqtI4NNVaOLU9ZXWZg9maC5FDZ5PHDhxk38MzdqllPhlZfiI0HuWpuhnDjvCevV9G3ksY5jCY0XQYM8RCkBFFkLT53cIKtBnZStIuW-WcJnPQuX7CNJKfAbSbEGD6OurQ/s1600/reservePOPup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrI25o2oTAfkqtI4NNVaOLU9ZXWZg9maC5FDZ5PHDhxk38MzdqllPhlZfiI0HuWpuhnDjvCevV9G3ksY5jCY0XQYM8RCkBFFkLT53cIKtBnZStIuW-WcJnPQuX7CNJKfAbSbEGD6OurQ/s320/reservePOPup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>  <br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">So if we type a client Id in Number field, if we do not remember, we can type their name, or by agent or passenger name: So for test purposes, I will select type 100 in number field (CASH), reservation form opens up as displayed here:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLpkd3eX8pO33J10-M-fvdZbIEJET1m4K-4Q7EQkypRbrlWMULrYWgR1Rmhep_uTT2KoBWlvMB6sVkwk77NCZM6EZ6FixMEk94LXJ4MaZ3B4IHHNVU3UJ_DksPc5gZWzMjsPHdmjFgRU/s1600/cash_reserve_form.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLpkd3eX8pO33J10-M-fvdZbIEJET1m4K-4Q7EQkypRbrlWMULrYWgR1Rmhep_uTT2KoBWlvMB6sVkwk77NCZM6EZ6FixMEk94LXJ4MaZ3B4IHHNVU3UJ_DksPc5gZWzMjsPHdmjFgRU/s320/cash_reserve_form.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiro54o5lrFcKcSwsV_kPU91-hURr0Zo-CdZQIha-CzTp9aFNAMw3KNUaGhXVAwjzR3FCA9MfHXXUb6WpA69mlPSHvwfcQKr6mN22hkkfaMzLDnS6HdoAJzMYRPDm1PdTw5Wc_1xyexxIs/s1600/reservationsTab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">We can enter date, time, desired vehicle, enter driver/affiliate, all pickup and drop information,</div>Suppose it is a 3 car job order, all we have to do is click on <b>Copy This Trip</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">icon twice.</span> We will have 2 additional reservations # 1157 and 1158. Reservations 1157 and 1158 will automatically populate most fields except for vehicle ID, pickup time.<br />Suppose we need to make a round trip reservation? * * see how the Pu and drop will Reverse on return trip automatically on the next reservation 1160. so lets click on Copy This Trip<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-QM9nnXYiQmXMkKScDaPdbFjq5J24mbhWMhPjR5DDcF_HhHBprvMXust2ba0tHSPt0lhFvYnvNLEhpt2WTa8nWat2cRQqWAlPv25lhlV5tEFgrcMt3p5-2Ptot1fbCNYixjy1Pc-9ZQ/s1600/1-11-2013+5-05-59+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-QM9nnXYiQmXMkKScDaPdbFjq5J24mbhWMhPjR5DDcF_HhHBprvMXust2ba0tHSPt0lhFvYnvNLEhpt2WTa8nWat2cRQqWAlPv25lhlV5tEFgrcMt3p5-2Ptot1fbCNYixjy1Pc-9ZQ/s1600/1-11-2013+5-05-59+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-QM9nnXYiQmXMkKScDaPdbFjq5J24mbhWMhPjR5DDcF_HhHBprvMXust2ba0tHSPt0lhFvYnvNLEhpt2WTa8nWat2cRQqWAlPv25lhlV5tEFgrcMt3p5-2Ptot1fbCNYixjy1Pc-9ZQ/s320/1-11-2013+5-05-59+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Upon clicking <b>Copy This Trip</b>icon, a pop up window display. On this window, we can select Return Trip, Change Time Values. Change the New date to whatever date return trip will be. Click OK.</div>Upon clicking Okay, Reservation # 1160 will display on screen.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlWW3RXRk1QvdbXw7-kYviBmtl0ZCdhJPpUcpwN4HA5GXDrAbCwksCT2jdgiGETsHN6arGAac3uNtYQgjX1fUN2VTd5LEdPAzrGg1A2Ah5xAu7rJhWu-hvMy0v306cJzhrMgzlpzhbVE/s1600/copy_this_trip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlWW3RXRk1QvdbXw7-kYviBmtl0ZCdhJPpUcpwN4HA5GXDrAbCwksCT2jdgiGETsHN6arGAac3uNtYQgjX1fUN2VTd5LEdPAzrGg1A2Ah5xAu7rJhWu-hvMy0v306cJzhrMgzlpzhbVE/s320/copy_this_trip.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRz_48WiZB4E-ReRdCCiBVbP7gStvD6YvrXlfx4LJpAGeAFrgirj_sBgkWa_lFeLhDWUJaRTSryddNEpVaKJfmmLILQw__3pwbE0M11YJ-Ao-5mOw7USYchoqw5JAiGHKz5VPOqhphQnI/s1600/reversed_copy_trip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRz_48WiZB4E-ReRdCCiBVbP7gStvD6YvrXlfx4LJpAGeAFrgirj_sBgkWa_lFeLhDWUJaRTSryddNEpVaKJfmmLILQw__3pwbE0M11YJ-Ao-5mOw7USYchoqw5JAiGHKz5VPOqhphQnI/s320/reversed_copy_trip.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The original Pickup point and drop off have been reversed onto the copied trip. This is a <span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 0);">major Time Saver</span>, I love this function, as I can send a client 2 reservations within less than 2 minutes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With a few simple clicks, we can Email confirmation to client, and send trip details to driver/affiliate simultaneously. HERE is what I like, the clients confirmation is different from driver/affiliate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Customer data, billing, or telephone numbers do not display on driver/affiliate confirmations unless you choose to send them same confirmation sent to your client. You can type any additional email addresses, in case the executive assistant asks to send a confirmation to BOSS, and the Bosses Boss (wife) and any other individual(s). So click on CONFIRM by Email</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ISfBmhYXTksxSI_RucRThJlNPZH7Eb_K4t_cndoIQPVe4NK9pC_0MgyqrMHSp9U3YFjM2w5EWPkZkyW8zxCz7B0GqF4G3yB2NZfWenSaGJmeIRhRFEC6QAZKGKavFoIkyQWQBHkNV7w/s1600/email_confirmations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ISfBmhYXTksxSI_RucRThJlNPZH7Eb_K4t_cndoIQPVe4NK9pC_0MgyqrMHSp9U3YFjM2w5EWPkZkyW8zxCz7B0GqF4G3yB2NZfWenSaGJmeIRhRFEC6QAZKGKavFoIkyQWQBHkNV7w/s320/email_confirmations.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">*<span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 0);">send a simple plain TEXT based or an HTML based confirmation by selecting on upper right hand*</span></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">So now Let me walk you through the dispatch screen. The dispatch screen is under the same Reservations Tab. Suppose we want to view. The screen will list all reservations from top to down by time. The reservations will be color coded, and the vehicles will also be color coded on left side of screen. The blue codes are Sprinter Vans, the Red is for a 10 passenger stretch limo, green for sedan.</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">We can scroll back and forth by days and months to view dispatch screen of previous day and week.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0jeOlUefoD9uUrzwU6TO9Ox1j-Gew6_d9piHy7rNR-5i6gC5-dDwz7cEjxgEmhjfSr9zWSupWAzjAs_C2mBD7CWJEvpH1QfVh-VeIpntrzUWhWKBJg_WceahHKSCPvU_CD-oDEVNJhQ/s1600/dispatch_screen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0jeOlUefoD9uUrzwU6TO9Ox1j-Gew6_d9piHy7rNR-5i6gC5-dDwz7cEjxgEmhjfSr9zWSupWAzjAs_C2mBD7CWJEvpH1QfVh-VeIpntrzUWhWKBJg_WceahHKSCPvU_CD-oDEVNJhQ/s320/dispatch_screen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">By going back to Reservation Tab, we can get a lot more things, such as check vehicle schedules.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWPkzd_d8lq0hkwj7IAmTSBb6BM4Ltgbl0bpwIEBDL_HX5R2ug0fgODT1AFXvQ1lVo_6tUgxl7dgfgvdEU-OgWmBPqIMSvcBHK4KnhbyEl6qKI87MbCPjK2Sbfc9gSk8VhXt9GYddP08/s1600/vehicle_schedule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWPkzd_d8lq0hkwj7IAmTSBb6BM4Ltgbl0bpwIEBDL_HX5R2ug0fgODT1AFXvQ1lVo_6tUgxl7dgfgvdEU-OgWmBPqIMSvcBHK4KnhbyEl6qKI87MbCPjK2Sbfc9gSk8VhXt9GYddP08/s320/vehicle_schedule.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Or we can run a <span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Future Sales Report.</b></span> Nice!! That is what Wall Street investors like to see!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGa0_KkFVb6MfuQKXhCt9rypzmecoFCNPQ8CaeZrnj_FP6S_vNEu_0Iz1dkUETsdg3A2lEJWkHalwwC9fs5_fwGr1vr5IZPkyA5Ee3Qxe3phiExgp_reX-xT_kBdhI-MEso7qWafjGqyI/s1600/sales_by_drivers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGa0_KkFVb6MfuQKXhCt9rypzmecoFCNPQ8CaeZrnj_FP6S_vNEu_0Iz1dkUETsdg3A2lEJWkHalwwC9fs5_fwGr1vr5IZPkyA5Ee3Qxe3phiExgp_reX-xT_kBdhI-MEso7qWafjGqyI/s320/sales_by_drivers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaW2YmEtwSamdgGUkagYWpL08ES90m-mPuDPgfq4f0utSMZ6T9_hZYgbfEhyphenhyphenBWhYTJagDfUjOKuB_R4017bbI0pi-qFeIyqdBYQjf_Nxr-QJ6vdGgTrjVVqUPorXl6nnDxaApZwsiZyM/s1600/drivers_sales.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaW2YmEtwSamdgGUkagYWpL08ES90m-mPuDPgfq4f0utSMZ6T9_hZYgbfEhyphenhyphenBWhYTJagDfUjOKuB_R4017bbI0pi-qFeIyqdBYQjf_Nxr-QJ6vdGgTrjVVqUPorXl6nnDxaApZwsiZyM/s320/drivers_sales.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>INVOICES:</b></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">So Let me move onto invoicing, process charges, send clients invoice or a receipts by clicking on Invoices Tab. This area requires a bit care and caution,<u> HERE I suggest new users to READ</u> MANUAL, because I made a few errors such as having open invoices, applying payments, Here are screen shots.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPcSW5AW-E4bMf8HANUXb3NwHVEcdFT7-_KHxRxRL4z9p4ylm3LyJL7Svaiq9A4_AgHF4B50dGQTzhECh3yIybrLpjMsRm5ERwWDKBHEpjC7w_7u_XVCUB8ttfzYPSANF3OvtVWJXsKE/s1600/invoice_tab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPcSW5AW-E4bMf8HANUXb3NwHVEcdFT7-_KHxRxRL4z9p4ylm3LyJL7Svaiq9A4_AgHF4B50dGQTzhECh3yIybrLpjMsRm5ERwWDKBHEpjC7w_7u_XVCUB8ttfzYPSANF3OvtVWJXsKE/s320/invoice_tab.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Aside from Invoicing, we can also make group reservations for conventions or events planners. </div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Here is another great awesome feature for example you have an <u>Event Planner send you 30 Airports or shuttling groups back and </u><span style="text-decoration: none;">forth</span></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">So typing in 40 reservations or 20 different passengers with 40 different pickup and drop locations seems like a real nightmare? Not at all, if you are using Excel. Send your clients an Excel spreadsheet and just simply import all data into Trip Tracker.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2hCCsqtp6-RJL84HVzOu8jJ8xFxsrczj-5CtNHPXMa5fJn8mIMAcX9vc2KjYs_IyUcL5CmVQcHxT5hJkr-0K782z3L0Pim5wgsfsOGrRQnEm2bFHEZRO4hA5SncrGhkTQPR092VeZ00p/s1600/mercedeslimovan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2hCCsqtp6-RJL84HVzOu8jJ8xFxsrczj-5CtNHPXMa5fJn8mIMAcX9vc2KjYs_IyUcL5CmVQcHxT5hJkr-0K782z3L0Pim5wgsfsOGrRQnEm2bFHEZRO4hA5SncrGhkTQPR092VeZ00p/s320/mercedeslimovan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixethaK6Sx-hgrtebpDAGMfg8VErAJpY047hDx21Lm2_P-6pbAmGPxPIYMed86EoE6tpmrsEVW-fk3dtvUMbNMCNpqP1_BH_cZbdSl4PL4RjVibAkL3eLzZONa459oUC5VuMp_s7iojyaO/s1600/1967+csl+london+taxi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Import Trips from an Excel spreadsheet </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Trip Tracker can easily import a batch of reservations from an Excel spreadsheet. A predefined template has been provided. You can create & update your own templates. Just follow the instructions at the bot-tom of this document. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Publish the Excel spreadsheet format: <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>1. Send the spreadsheet template (IE. ResvTemplate.xls or your own customer template) to your corporate or group charter customers. This can be found in the Tripwin folder. If you have a single-user license, then it will be in C:\Tripwin. 2. If you cannot find the file, <a href="http://online-limo.com/webhelp/attach/ResvTemplate.xls">download it here</a>. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>3. There are 3 sample reservations already in this file which show how each field should be entered. If the client sends these back in their file, you can just skip them on the import. Or, feel free to delete them in the original file. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><ol start="4"><li>If the trip has multiple segments or passengers, leave the first column blank for each 'extra' row. This will cause the row to be included with the previous row's trip.</li></ol><b>Import formatted Excel spreadsheets: </b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Setup</b>: <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>1. Once the client emails back the spreadsheet, save the attachment to your computer. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>2. In Trip Tracker, go to Utilities and choose 'Import Reservations from Excel Spreadsheet'. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>3. When the screen displays, make sure the 'Import Set' says 'IMPORT RESV' (unless a custom template has been setup for you). <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>4. Make sure the File Name points to the spreadsheet you just saved. You can either type in the full file name, or click the Browse button to select it. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>5. Enter the Customer Number you want assigned to all trips in this spreadsheet. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>6. Make sure the Header Row, Last Col, and First Data Row fields match the spreadsheet. For ex-ample, the 'IMPORT RESV' template should have Header Row of 1, Last Col of 'T', and First Data Row of 2. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Process Each Trip:</b> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>1. Click the 'Start Import' button. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>2. This will step you through each row from the spreadsheet. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>3. For each trip in the spreadsheet, the 'Import Reservation Values' screen will be displayed, show-ing all the values from the spreadsheet. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>4. You can change any field value you want before accepting the trip. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>5. Note that you can scroll down to see more fields. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>6. Once all data has been validated, you can press 'Accept & Save' or 'Reject' each trip. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>7. Once accepted, the Quick Reservations form will be displayed with all values from the trip. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>8. Remember that if any field's value isn't valid, it will not let you off this screen until you fix the problem. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>9. If you 'Reject' a trip, the trip is bypassed and no confirmation is sent. If the client requires one, then 'Accept' the trip so you get the Quick Reservations screen, then send a cancellation confirmation from there and delete or cancel the trip. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Restart the Import:</b> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>1. If you press the 'Quit Import' button, it will abandon the import at the current record. All previously imported trips will still exist. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>2. You can continue importing later by clicking 'Start Import' on the same spreadsheet, and just click 'Reject' for all previously imported trips. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>3. Note that it will not restart in the middle of a multiple segment trip. Just delete the partially accepted trip from before, and accept this entire trip. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Things to remember: </b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>1. If you are using Spot Times, make sure the import set uses the Pickup Time, not the Start Time. Go to the Import Set (ie. "IMPORT RESV") and click the new button 'Edit Field Layout'. On the 'Pickup Time' row, click the 'Trip Segments' button, and then choose 'PickupTime1' from the list & click OK. This will switch the fields. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>2. Make sure you tell your clients what they can enter in the 'Car Type' field. This must exist on your Vehicle Groups (e.g. 'SEDAN' or 'VAN'). Otherwise you'll have to change every imported record. If you don't do either, the import will not work! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>3. Make sure the 'previewed' airline codes are the 2 or 3 digit codes (e.g. 'US', not 'US Air'). This could cause you to lose the flight info from the trip. Also, make sure there is a space between the Airline and the Flight No. (e.g. 'US 123', not 'US123'). <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>4. Sometimes fields are too long and you can't leave the record. Typically this is either a phone number (max 12 chars), or the flight's city. Just shorten the data on the screen. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>5. For multi-passenger trips, if you accept any part of the trip, make sure you accept the entire trip. Otherwise, when you restart the import it will think the trip has already been processed. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>6. Sometimes Excel gets stuck & won't close the file. Usually it opens a window stating that some columns have weird data and makes you say you want to save it, although this window could be in the background. Just click on the open 'Microsoft Excel' on the task-bar. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>7. If you are using 24-hour time, you might not see the times being entered, since it is putting them in the 12-hour fields. If in doubt, just hit the PgUp key (and if it changes records, then the PgDn key) to refresh the screen. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Create your own Import Set: </b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>1. Create a new spreadsheet containing your desired format. Or, have your clients send you one in their format. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>2. In Trip Tracker, go to Utilities and choose 'Import Reservations from Excel Spreadsheet'. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>3. Click 'Add New Import Set' to give it a new name. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>4. Enter the Customer ID and the File Name <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>5. Click 'Get Fields from File' to grab all of the existing spreadsheet's headings into this set. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>6. Click 'Edit Field Layout' to associate each heading with a Reservation or Trip Segment field. You can re sequence the columns, change the fields, etc. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><ol start="7"><li>If you want to delete a column, click on it, then press Ctrl-Del. Make sure you renumber the columns so you don't have a hole.<br /> </li></ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Backup Data:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I would like to discuss a bit about backup. What is Back up? Why is it important to Backup? I usually prefer to backup all my images, documents, pdf files and even Trip Tracker Data on an external drive as a back up plan. I am not a big fan of doing same tasks or repeating myself over and over.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Backing up files</b> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>If you have an external hard drive, you can back programs and files to it. So if something happens to your computer or you drop your laptop, everything is on the external hard drive. Western Digital has a nice little drive called Passport. Plug it in and its software will automatically back up the hard drive of your computer. You can install Trip Tracker and other programs on to the external hard drive and you can use it as a back-up if something happens to your main computer. It�s a USB external drive, recognized by Windows software. When plugged in, double click and it will be just as if it was a second hard drive attached to your computer. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Trip Tracker offers daily back up of your data files. You can also use a program such as Cobian and schedule daily, weekly or monthly backups of your data file. This is the recommended backup software from the Source1 Solutions computer guys. Just follow the instructions in the software and make adjustments until you have the backup you desire. You can do full backup of all the data files, or partial backups of files that have been updated. If something happens to your computer and you replace it, once Trip Tracker is reinstalled, you can have your data files restored within minutes. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>When backing up programs or files, just pay attention to which drive you are backing up from. Usually your files on the C drive and external drives can be E of F (depending on how many CD/DVD drives or what you have plugged into the USB slots). So you copy from C drive to the external drive (for example E), if you use a program such as Cobian, you can browse to find the file to copy and then browse where the backup copy is to go and how often the backup is performed and when. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br />So I have provided some points about the Trip Tracker Software to limousine operators. I wish I could have shared more about Trip Tracker but all this takes time away from managing my limousine operations and this article is gonna become very lengthy. I hope I have done best to describe the software and my experience. Please feel free to post any comments and questions, or you can contact Trip Tracker for any questions, or newest gadgets such as the Mobile App, access Trip Tracker remotely from your I phone or I Pad.<br />Thank you for reading this article.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Rick Goondall<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>CSL TRANSPORTATION<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>347 Fifth Ave, suite 1402-154<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>New York, NY 10016<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Tel: 212.537.6668. Tel: 646.812.8948<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Fax: 646.205.8029<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Email: <a href="mailto:csltransportation@hotmail.com">csltransportation@hotmail.com</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/">www.limousine-rental.net</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlWW3RXRk1QvdbXw7-kYviBmtl0ZCdhJPpUcpwN4HA5GXDrAbCwksCT2jdgiGETsHN6arGAac3uNtYQgjX1fUN2VTd5LEdPAzrGg1A2Ah5xAu7rJhWu-hvMy0v306cJzhrMgzlpzhbVE/s1600/copy_this_trip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZXmiljZuDrOpnnILk4Ki2oMf9ni-KbyGLrAdp8_jp0nmq4YLQzfuBiCgSn2eehCvB2yShKbGOUgWOmL2HKBT6yEh5RUt9pbnRC1_M-asq630EhnwBChH_tgg1tRkh2x0eI3GkYN4k9c/s1600/CSL_BIZNIZ+CARD-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZXmiljZuDrOpnnILk4Ki2oMf9ni-KbyGLrAdp8_jp0nmq4YLQzfuBiCgSn2eehCvB2yShKbGOUgWOmL2HKBT6yEh5RUt9pbnRC1_M-asq630EhnwBChH_tgg1tRkh2x0eI3GkYN4k9c/s320/CSL_BIZNIZ+CARD-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>

Limousine Software comparison and Review of Trip Tracker

  Most limousine operators have a wide variety of limousine management software today to choose from. Which software is ideal for the l im...

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